Cloning tomatoes is faster than growing from seeds and ensures your new plants inherit the best traits of the parent plant. Using Clonex Rooting Gel and EazyPlugs, you can create the ideal conditions for root development and growth.
Here's a quick summary of the process:
- Tools you'll need: Clonex Gel, EazyPlugs, secateurs, humidity dome, spray bottle, and a clean container.
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Steps:
- Choose a healthy plant and take a cutting.
- Apply Clonex Gel to the cut end.
- Plant the cutting in a pre-soaked EazyPlug.
- Keep it under a humidity dome with consistent temperature (21–24°C) and high humidity (80–90%).
- Monitor daily, mist as needed, and check for root growth after two weeks.
- Transplant once roots are 2–3 cm long.
This method is simple, effective, and perfect for Australia's growing season. With the right care, your clones will be ready to thrive in no time.
How to clone plants using Clonex June 2014
Required Tools and Supplies
Get everything ready for your tomato cloning project with this handy list of supplies.
Basic Equipment List
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
| Equipment | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clonex Rooting Gel | Encourages root growth | Helps with root development and heals cutting wounds |
| EazyPlugs | Growing medium | Maintains proper pH balance and controls moisture |
| Sharp secateurs | Clean, precise cuts | Sterilise before use to avoid spreading diseases |
| Clear humidity dome | Keeps humidity high | Creates the perfect humid environment for rooting |
| Spray bottle | Keeps cuttings hydrated | Use for daily misting to maintain moisture levels |
| Clean container | Prepares water solution | Ideal for rinsing and prepping your cuttings |
You can find these items at Green Genius, a great source for eco-friendly gardening supplies.
Why Clonex and EazyPlugs?
Clonex Rooting Gel and EazyPlugs are designed to work perfectly together. The rooting gel speeds up root growth and protects the cutting, while EazyPlugs provide the right pH and moisture balance for healthy development.
With these tools ready, you're all set to dive into tomato cloning!
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6 Steps to Clone Tomatoes
1. Pick the Right Plant
Start with a strong, healthy tomato plant. Look for one with deep green leaves, sturdy stems, and no signs of disease. The best time to take cuttings is early in the morning when the plant is well-hydrated.
2. Prepare the Cutting
Cut a stem about 10–15 cm long at a 45° angle just below a node. Remove the bottom two-thirds of the leaves, keeping 2–3 leaves at the top. Trim off any flowers or fruit to direct the plant’s energy toward rooting.
3. Apply Clonex Gel
Pour a small amount of Clonex gel into a clean container. Coat the cut end of the stem (about 2–3 cm) with the gel, making sure it’s fully covered. Don’t wipe off any excess gel, and ensure the stem is clean before application.
4. Plant in EazyPlugs
Soak the EazyPlugs in room-temperature water (20–22°C) until fully hydrated. Make a small hole in the centre of the plug, insert the cutting 2–3 cm deep, and gently press the plug around the stem. Place the cutting immediately under a humidity dome, spaced 6–8 cm apart.
5. Care and Maintenance
Keep the environment consistent to encourage root growth. Here's a quick guide:
| Factor | Optimal Range | Tips for Success |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 21-24°C | Use a heat mat if needed |
| Humidity | 80-90% | Mist 2–3 times a day |
| Light | Indirect | Avoid direct sunlight |
| Water | Moist, not wet | Check plug moisture daily |
Check these conditions daily to support healthy root development.
6. Check Roots and Transplant
Gently tug the cutting to check for resistance, which indicates root growth. Look for white roots emerging from the bottom of the plug. Once roots are 2–3 cm long, transplant the cutting into a larger pot filled with quality potting mix. Keep the soil moist for the first week, and gradually reduce humidity over 3–4 days.
After transplanting, water regularly and start feeding with a diluted nutrient solution after the first week.
Clonex and EazyPlugs Results
Clonex gel and EazyPlugs work together to support tomato cloning effectively. Clonex gel delivers hormones and nutrients that encourage root growth, while EazyPlugs provide the right balance of moisture and air. Together, they create an environment that helps cuttings develop roots more quickly and grow stronger.
Field tests have shown that this combination leads to faster and healthier root growth compared to traditional methods. The chart below highlights the specific benefits of each product and their combined results.
Product Features Chart
| Feature | Clonex Gel | EazyPlugs | Combined Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Supplies rooting hormones and nutrients | Serves as a balanced growing medium | Forms a complete propagation system |
| Key Benefit | Promotes quick root initiation | Ensures proper moisture and air balance | Boosts overall and faster root development |
The controlled pH levels and moisture management provided by these products create the perfect conditions for healthy root growth. To get the best results, keep the growing environment stable, maintain a suitable temperature, and ensure the plugs stay moist but not overly wet. This efficient root development simplifies the tomato cloning process.
Getting Started
To start cloning your tomatoes, gather everything you need from Green Genius.
Make sure the conditions are just right, as previously outlined. Using a humidity dome or propagator can help maintain the right environment, and keeping your EazyPlugs consistently moist during the first two weeks is essential. These steps build on earlier preparations to give you the best chance of success.
Once your setup is ready, head to Green Genius's online store or visit a local shop to get started. If you're a New Garden Club member, you can enjoy a 10% discount on your next order. Plus, the store's knowledgeable staff are always available to help you pick the right tools and answer any questions, making the process much easier.
Check the earlier list for the key supplies you can find at Green Genius.
Using Clonex gel with EazyPlugs gives you a solid base for successful propagation. In about two weeks, your healthy tomato clones should be ready for transplanting.